Top 4 Web Hosting Providers for Your Nonprofit's WordPress Website
WordPress Security

August 16, 2019
When it comes to technology, you get what you pay for.
If your organization is using generic or low-cost website hosting for WordPress, it’s likely you’re running into common problems:
- Your website’s pages and posts load slow
- The host’s control panel is dated, buggy, and hard to use
- Your plan has limited features and security like backups or a firewall
- WordPress resources and documentation are weak
- Support can’t answer your unique WordPress questions
If you’re tired of wasting your time and frustrated, you’re ready for a switch.
It’s important to shift your mindset away from thinking that “cheap is better” and prioritize upgrading to a high-quality web host.
Include it in your nonprofit’s annual budget because using cheap hosting is a security mistake you want to avoid making.
The benefits outweigh the cost. You’ll get faster speeds, stronger security, and extra managed services that are built-in to save you time.
In this article, you’re going to learn about four web hosting providers that your nonprofit should consider using if your website uses WordPress.
You’ll be able to make an informed decision with peace of mind.

1. WP Engine
One of the largest and most reputable web hosting providers is WP Engine. Since 2010, their focus has been only hosting WordPress websites. They’re known for having an overall solid service with extra attention to security and automations.
Their Starter Plan begins at about $31/mo (with a discount) and is ideal for small to medium-sized organizations wanting strong security, support, and fast page loads.
It includes 25K monthly visits, 10GB of disc space, and 50GB of bandwidth.
For larger organizations, consider investing in the Growth Plan which is about $103/mo (discount included) and it'll better fit your high-traffic needs with 24/7 phone support.
Key benefits of using WP Engine:
Tip: use the code wpe3free on checkout and take 10% off all plans. Pay annually and you’ll get 3 months free.

2. Flywheel
Next up is Flywheel (now part of WP Engine) which has been around since 2012. Their non-techie and friendly approach to WordPress web hosting might be refreshing to creatives or marketers at nonprofits.
Migrations can be very complicated and time-consuming if you try DIY and get it wrong. Your site can go down for days. Flywheel will handle migrating your site for free and they’ve got the process down.
Their Starter Plan at $23/mo is good for organizations with that don’t initially need a ton of server space (compared to WP Engine) but want a service that’s fast, easy to use, and secure with amazing customer service.
It includes 25K monthly visits, 5GB of disc space, and 50GB of bandwidth.

Key benefits of using Flywheel:
Tip: use the code nonprofit2019 on checkout and take 20% off all plans, monthly or yearly.

3. Kinsta
Another premium provider that’s been gaining a lot of attention is Kinsta. Like WP Engine and Flywheel, they only host WordPress websites and have mastered it in just 10 years.
If your organization needs blazing fast speeds with impressive security features and a free migration, consider their Starter plan which is about $25/mo (with a nonprofit discount).
It includes 20K monthly visits, 5GB of disc space, and 50GB of bandwidth.
Compared to WP Engine and Flywheel, Kinsta has more flexible plans: $51/mo, $85/mo, $170/mo, $255/mo (discount applied) and up.
Small to very large organizations may find this helpful for annual budgeting.

Key benefits of using Kinsta:
Tip: Get 15% off discount off all plans after verifying your nonprofit’s 501c3 status.

4. Pantheon
The final web hosting provider that’s worth being on your nonprofit's radar is Pantheon. Like WP Engine, they’re very reputable in the industry and known for delivering enterprise-quality, reliable hosting for WordPress and Drupal.
Compared to all three providers, Pantheon is the most premium and expensive. They’re ideal for medium to large organizations wanting the absolute best in speed, security, and support.
If your organization’s WordPress website has a lot of traffic with thousands of pages, a large membership, and are collecting large donations - you’ll want to invest in looking at Pantheon’s service.
Their Basic plan starts $41/mo and $29/mo paid annually.
It includes 25K monthly visits, 20GB of disc space, and 125K of pages served.
Key benefits of using Pantheon:
Wrapping Up
Hopefully, you’ve learned how these premium hosting companies generally offer the same packages and why it’s worth paying a little more.
Moving away from a cheap hosting provider is one of the six ways you can keep your website from being hacked.
Final Email Tip:
One thing to note is that these companies only provide WordPress web hosting so email isn’t included in their plans.
Consider using Google for Nonprofits because it’s free. Keep in mind that only includes access to G Suite Basic.
For G Suite Business, use the code L9NHRUTK7QUXHPG on checkout and get 20% off your first year.
By Chuck Spidell, the Nonprofit WordPress Security Expert who helps communications teams free up their time and lock down WordPress from getting hacked.